Martha’s Vineyard Spring Landscaping Checklist

Welcome to spring on Martha’s Vineyard! The days are getting longer, the air holds a hint of warmth, and the island landscape is poised to burst back to life. After a long winter, however, your property likely needs some attention to shake off the dormancy and prepare for the vibrant growing season ahead. Winter’s wind, rain, occasional snow, and freeze-thaw cycles can leave behind debris, potential damage, and compacted soil. Tackling spring landscaping tasks proactively is crucial for ensuring a healthy, beautiful lawn and garden that you can enjoy throughout the summer and fall.

This comprehensive checklist is specifically designed for Martha’s Vineyard property owners, addressing the unique conditions and challenges we face on the island. As your local landscaping experts, Estate Care has years of experience helping homeowners cultivate stunning and resilient outdoor spaces. Follow these steps to get your property in top shape for a lush and enjoyable season.

Start with a Thorough Spring Cleanup

The first step in waking up your landscape is a good old-fashioned cleanup. This clears the way for new growth and allows you to assess the condition of your property after winter.

Leaf and Debris Removal

Rake Away Winter’s Remnants
Winter winds and storms inevitably leave a layer of fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris scattered across your lawn and garden beds. It’s tempting to leave it, but this layer can smother emerging grass, promote mold and fungal diseases, and harbor overwintering pests.

• Action: Gently rake lawn areas to remove matted leaves and debris. Be careful not to rake too aggressively if the ground is very wet, as this can damage turf.
• Focus: Pay special attention to garden beds, removing old mulch or debris to expose the soil. Clean out debris accumulated around foundations, window wells, and drainage areas.

Inspect for Winter Damage

Trees, Shrubs, and Structures
Take a walk around your property with a critical eye, specifically looking for any damage incurred over the winter months.

• Trees & Shrubs: Look for broken or damaged branches caused by wind, snow load, or ice. Note any signs of winter burn (browned foliage, especially on evergreens) or animal damage (chewed bark or branches, often from deer or rabbits).
• Hardscapes: Check walkways, patios, and driveways for cracks, shifting pavers, or frost heave damage. Inspect fences and decks for loose boards, popped nails, leaning posts, or wood rot. Retaining walls should be checked for stability.
• Action: Safely prune away clearly dead or broken branches. Make a list of any structural repairs needed for your hardscaping features and prioritize addressing them.

Edge Garden Beds for a Crisp Look and Weed Prevention

Defining the edges of your garden beds makes a significant visual impact and serves a practical purpose.

• Action: Use a spade or a half-moon edger to create a clean, sharp edge between your lawn and garden beds. Aim for a depth of a few inches.
• Benefits: This simple step creates a neat, professional appearance, helps contain mulch within the beds, and creates a barrier that makes it harder for lawn grass to creep into your planting areas, reducing future weeding efforts.

Revitalize Your Lawn

Steps for Greener Grass on Martha’s Vineyard
A lush, green lawn is often the centerpiece of a beautiful landscape. Spring is the critical time to give your turf the care it needs to thrive.

Gentle Raking or Dethatching (If Necessary)

Thatch is the layer of dead grass stems, roots, and debris that accumulates between the green grass blades and the soil surface. A thin layer is normal, but excessive thatch (over 1/2 inch) can block water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil.

• Action: A light spring raking can help remove loose debris and gently lift matted grass blades. If you have a thick thatch layer, dethatching (power raking) might be necessary. However, wait until the lawn is actively growing and somewhat dry to avoid damaging the turf. Dethatching can be stressful for the lawn, so it’s often best performed by professionals if you’re unsure.

Consider Core Aeration for Compacted Island Soils

Martha’s Vineyard soils can range from sandy to heavier types, and many areas suffer from compaction due to foot traffic, winter conditions, or natural settling. Compaction restricts root growth and hinders water and air penetration.

• Action: Core aeration involves removing small plugs of soil from the lawn. This process relieves compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the root zone more effectively.
• Timing: The best time to aerate is when the grass is actively growing, typically in spring or fall. On Martha’s Vineyard, late spring might be ideal. Estate Care can assess if your lawn would benefit from aeration.

Overseeding Bare Patches for a Fuller Lawn

Winter kill, salt damage (especially near roadsides or coastal areas), heavy foot traffic, or disease can leave thin or bare patches in your lawn.

• Action: Rake the bare area to loosen the soil and remove dead grass. Spread a high-quality grass seed appropriate for Martha’s Vineyard conditions – consider sun/shade exposure and salt tolerance if needed. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by lightly raking the seed in or applying a thin layer of topsoil or compost.
• Watering: Keep the seeded areas consistently moist until the new grass is established.

Apply the Right Spring Fertilizer and Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Feeding your lawn provides the nutrients it needs for strong spring growth, while pre-emergent herbicides help prevent weeds like crabgrass before they even sprout.

• Fertilizer: Ideally, base your fertilizer choice on a soil test (Estate Care can help with this). Generally, a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer is recommended for spring to provide sustained feeding without excessive top growth.
• Pre-Emergent: Timing is critical for pre-emergent herbicides. They must be applied before weed seeds germinate, typically when soil temperatures consistently reach 50-55°F for a few days (often coinciding with Forsythia blooms). Applying too early or too late renders them ineffective.

Prepare Garden Beds and Plants for Spring Growth

With the cleanup done, turn your attention to preparing your planting areas and caring for existing plants.

Weed Early and Thoroughly

Get a jump on weeds now before they become established and compete with your desirable plants for water, light, and nutrients.

• Action: Weed garden beds thoroughly, making sure to remove the entire root system, especially for perennial weeds. Weeding is often easier when the soil is slightly moist.

Amend Soil with Compost for Better Health and Drainage

Island soils can vary greatly, but many benefit from the addition of organic matter.

• Action: Spread a 1-2 inch layer of good quality compost over your garden beds. Gently work it into the top 4-6 inches of soil.
• Benefits: Compost improves soil structure (making sandy soil hold water better and clay soil drain better), increases nutrient availability, and encourages beneficial soil microbes.

Prune Select Trees and Shrubs Wisely

Spring pruning helps shape plants, remove damage, and encourage healthy growth and flowering. However, what and when you prune matters.

• Action: Always start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches (the “Three D’s”).
• Timing Rules:
  • Prune shrubs that bloom on new wood (growth from the current season), like many summer-flowering hydrangeas (e.g., Panicle Hydrangeas) and roses, in early spring before major growth starts.
  • Wait to prune shrubs that bloom on old wood (growth from the previous season), such as Forsythia, Lilacs, Azaleas, and Rhododendrons, until immediately after they finish flowering. Pruning them in early spring removes their flower buds.
  • For properties near the coast, prune back any foliage showing significant salt spray damage.

Divide Overcrowded Perennials (As Needed)

Some perennials benefit from being divided every few years to rejuvenate them and manage their size.

• Identify: Look for perennials like Hostas, Daylilies, Iris, or ornamental grasses that have a dead center, reduced flowering, or are simply too large for their space.
• Action: Early spring, just as new growth emerges, is often a good time to dig up the clump, divide it into smaller sections using a sharp spade or knife (ensure each division has roots and shoots), and replant or share the divisions.

Inspect and Activate Your Irrigation System for Efficient Watering

Don’t wait until the summer heat arrives to discover your sprinkler system isn’t working correctly. Proper spring startup is key.

Visually Inspect Sprinkler Heads and Lines

Before turning on the water, walk your property and check the physical components.

• Action: Look for any sprinkler heads that were damaged by snowplows, frost heave, or digging animals. Ensure heads are sitting flush with the ground (not sticking up to be hit by mowers) and are not clogged with dirt or debris. Check visible piping for cracks.

Slowly Pressurize and Check for Leaks

Turning the water supply on too quickly can cause “water hammer,” potentially damaging pipes and valves.

• Action: Locate your irrigation system’s main shut-off valve and slowly open it only part-way initially. Allow the pipes to fill gradually. Once pressurized, open the valve fully.
• Inspect: Turn on each irrigation zone one by one. Walk the zone while it’s running, looking carefully for leaks (geysers, bubbling water around heads, soggy areas), broken heads, or heads that don’t pop up or retract properly.

Adjust Sprinkler Heads for Proper Coverage

Ensure water is going where it’s needed – onto your lawn and garden beds, not sidewalks, driveways, or the side of your house.

• Action: Check the spray pattern of each head. Adjust nozzles for proper arc and radius. Clean any clogged nozzles. Replace malfunctioning heads. Proper adjustment prevents water waste and ensures even coverage.

Set or Reprogram Your Controller for Spring Needs

Your lawn and plants need less water in the cooler, often wetter conditions of spring compared to mid-summer.

• Action: Reprogram your irrigation controller with a spring watering schedule. Start with less frequent, deep watering sessions. Ensure the date and time are correct. Consider installing a rain sensor (if you don’t have one) to automatically skip watering cycles when sufficient rain has fallen. Smart controllers that adjust based on weather data are also excellent water-saving tools.

Don’t Forget Hardscapes and Structures

Inspection and Maintenance
Your landscape includes more than just plants. Spring is a good time to check and maintain your patios, walkways, decks, and fences.

Clean Patios, Walkways, and Driveways

Winter can leave hard surfaces looking dirty and potentially slippery.

• Action: Sweep away loose debris. Consider pressure washing patios, walkways, and driveways to remove built-up grime, mold, mildew, algae, or salt residue (use appropriate pressure settings to avoid damage). Pull any weeds growing in cracks.

Inspect Decks, Fences, and Retaining Walls

Ensure these structures are safe and sound for the season ahead.

• Action: Check decks and fences for loose or rotting boards, popped nails or screws, and unstable posts. Look for signs of termite damage or decay. Inspect retaining walls for any signs of leaning, bulging, or cracking, which could indicate stability issues. Schedule necessary repairs promptly.

Plan Ahead: Consider New Plantings and Landscape Enhancements

With the cleanup and basic maintenance underway, spring is also the perfect time to dream and plan for improvements.

Assess Your Landscape’s Needs and Desires

Step back and think about how your landscape functions and looks.

• Consider: Are there empty spots needing new plants? Do you want more seasonal color, better privacy screening, or solutions for problem areas like poor drainage or too much shade? How do you envision using your outdoor spaces this year?

Choose Plants Suited for Martha’s Vineyard Conditions

Selecting the right plants is key to long-term success and lower maintenance on the island.

• Focus: Prioritize native plants or species well-adapted to our coastal environment. Consider factors like salt tolerance (crucial near the water), wind resistance, soil type (sandy vs. loamy), and sun exposure when making plant choices.

Consider Professional Design and Installation

Thinking bigger? Spring is an excellent time to consult with professional Martha’s Vineyard landscapers for larger projects.

• Action: Whether you’re dreaming of a vibrant new perennial garden, a completely refreshed foundation planting scheme, or a stunning new patio space, the team at Estate Care can help design and install landscape features that enhance your property’s beauty and value.

Conclusion

Completing this spring landscaping checklist is your investment in a beautiful, healthy, and functional outdoor space for the entire season on Martha’s Vineyard. From clearing away winter’s debris to preparing your lawn and gardens for vigorous growth, these steps lay the foundation for a landscape you can truly enjoy. While it can seem like a lot of work, the rewards of a well-tended property are well worth the effort.

Let Estate Care Handle Your Spring Landscape Needs!

Feeling overwhelmed by your spring checklist or simply short on time? Let the experienced professionals at Estate Care handle the hard work for you! We offer comprehensive spring cleanup services, expert lawn care programs, meticulous pruning, irrigation system management, and complete landscape maintenance packages tailored specifically for your Martha’s Vineyard property.

Contact Estate Care today for a free consultation and let us help your landscape thrive this season! Visit our website at estatecare.us or call us at +1 508-560-8186.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the best time to start spring cleanup on Martha’s Vineyard?
   • Answer: Typically, once the snow has melted consistently and the ground is no longer frozen or overly saturated. Late March to mid-April is often ideal, but it depends heavily on the specific year’s weather patterns. Focus on clearing leaves and debris first. Hold off on heavy lawn work like aggressive raking or dethatching until the grass shows consistent signs of active growth and the soil is drier.
2. My lawn suffered salt damage near the road. What can I do?
   • Answer: Salt damage is common near roadsides. Start by gently raking the affected area to remove dead grass and debris. If possible and temperatures are above freezing, water the area thoroughly a few times to help flush residual salts deeper into the soil profile. Applying gypsum can sometimes help improve soil structure and displace sodium, but results vary. Once soil temperatures are warm enough for germination (usually 55-65°F), overseeding with salt-tolerant grass varieties is the most effective way to repair the damage.
3. What are some deer-resistant plants that do well on Martha’s Vineyard?
   • Answer: While no plant is completely deer-proof if deer are hungry enough, several are generally less appealing to them and perform well on the island. Consider Boxwood, Barberry, Spirea, Russian Sage (Perovskia), Catmint (Nepeta), Lavender, ornamental grasses (like Switchgrass, Feather Reed Grass), most ferns, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra), and Daffodils. It’s always wise to protect new, tender plantings, especially in areas with high deer pressure.
4. Do I really need to aerate my lawn every spring?
   • Answer: Not necessarily every single spring, but it is highly beneficial for many lawns, especially those growing on heavier or compacted soils, or those experiencing heavy foot traffic. If your lawn struggles with water pooling after rain, looks thin despite proper fertilization and watering, or has a thick thatch layer, aeration is likely needed. An annual assessment by a lawn care professional can help determine if aeration is right for your lawn that year. Core aeration is generally more beneficial than spike aeration.
5. Can Estate Care help with just one part of this checklist, like irrigation startup or pruning?
   • Answer: Absolutely! While we offer comprehensive property maintenance packages, we understand that homeowners sometimes only need assistance with specific tasks. Whether you need expert pruning for your valuable shrubs, professional startup and inspection of your irrigation system, targeted lawn treatments, or just the initial heavy lifting of the spring cleanup, Estate Care is happy to help. Contact us to discuss your specific landscape needs.